“We are heartbroken and livid by Saturday’s mass shooting in Buffalo and are grieving for the families who lost their loved ones and the entire Buffalo community. This massacre is a white supremacist hate crime, adding to the long history of anti-Black killings and white supremacist violence that has permeated our society since its founding.

Although we know this kind of anti-Black violence is not new, this tragedy is also a direct result of racist ideologies peddled by conservative politicians like former President Donald Trump. Once considered a fringe and extreme view, the “Great Replacement” theory is quickly growing within the Republican party, uplifted and shared widely by media pundits like Tucker Carlson, and unchecked by tech corporations that put profits over people’s lives. The GOP, Fox News and social media companies are directly to blame for this tragedy and so many others. 

We will continue to see an increase in frequency and intensity of violence not only against the Black community, but also the Asian, Latino, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and Jewish communities if “thoughts and prayers” are the only steps elected officials take against hate crimes and white supremacy. We will continue to see those who are threatened by our collective power attempt to silence us through any means necessary.

However, in response to this attack, we ask lawmakers not to lean on the expansion of extreme sanctions like reinstating the death penalty or expanding the use of life without parole. These actions will not prevent another tragedy, and will only reinforce the racism, over-policing, and over-incarceration that Black and brown communities face. Instead, political leaders must protect us by tearing down systems of oppression and investing in our people.  

We know a world exists that is free from harm for our communities, where Black people can live without the fear of white supremacist violence and police terror. So while those in power continue to do nothing to ensure Black people can live safe, healthy, and thriving lives, we will be working to create the world we deserve.”